A maiden over 7f.
Maher ran well on debut when a 33/1 shot at Newmarket over 7f. A good-looking colt by Medaglia D'Oro, this American-bred two-year-old could well improve from that debut. Simcock stated that this is a good actioned juvenile and pinpointed this race for Maher's second start, which he won last year with Dubawi Phantom. The form of the Newmarket race his holding up quite well although with so many juveniles representing Godolphin that day it is difficult to assess the fitness of individuals. It is worth noting that Simcock features only a fair strike rate with relatively fancied runners on their second start, which slightly tempers the enthusiam.
It seems significant that Chain Lightning is fancied in the betting after finishing third from last at Sandown when priced 4/1. After such a poor effort there must be some confidence in the ability of this colt by Hurricane Run, a 55,000euro purchase. On form this youngster has shown little but it would be a mistake to disregard any of Hannon's two-year-olds, especially if the betting indicated there is better to come.
Memorabilia is one of few two-year-olds to have shown ability for Mark Johnston, who has had a terrible year with his juveniles. The form of the Doncaster race is difficult to assess, although the first and second have ability. Jaahiz won well the other day when dropped back to 6f. This colt by Dansili is a big galloping sort. Royston Ffrench may employ front-running tactics at a course Johnston does well. The rest of the field where closing on the leaders that day at Doncaster and it may be the case that they too have ability although it is difficult to quite appreciate this point as yet. The form of the Johnston two-year-olds doesn't inspire confidence and even though Memorabilia has claims it may be best to take a watching brief today or wait for the stable to find some much-needed form.
On form, Cuban Quality is held by Memorabilia.
Zakon was quite well backed on debut and last time at Folkestone. That looked a pretty moderate race and Queally gave this bay colt a huge amount to do after being held up off the pace. Quite an attractive sort, it wouldn't be a surprise to find connections have hopes for this runner and probably sit in a handy position today. Improvement is needed but there could be more to come.
Surrey Star showed good speed at Sandown before tiring in the final furlong. Roger Teal is a capable trainer and his runner could well follow similar tactics today with a bold, front-running display.
An interesting but difficult race to assess. Hannon's a likely improver.
Other races:
2:20 Hamilton
2:40 Leicester
3:15 Leicester
5:50 Bath
7:00 Doncaster
7:35 Doncaster